New Eats at Rockwell: Trying Pastrami Sandwich, Magnolia Bakery, and One of My Favorite Doughnuts
New York Style Brisket Pastrami Sandwich at Deli by Chele
Rockwell (Makati) is one of my favorite areas to dine at because of its high density of amazing food establishments. In the past weeks, it has been adding new food spots. So yesterday, I tried some of them. They are:
Deli by Chele
Deli by Chele is an online deli committed to deliver sustainable products to your doorstep. It’s a venture by Chef Chele Gonzales and Chef Carlos Villaflor, the culinary masters behind the internationally-recognized Gallery by Chele.
Deli by Chele Products
Every now and then, they have weekend pop-ups at different locations. But it seems that their Rockwell branch is permanent. (Does anyone know? Comment below!)
Deli by Chele at Power Plant Mall
One of their bestselling items is Pastrami and they’ve been making mean sandwiches using it. I’ve tasted their Negrense-style Pastrami Sandwich, a co-creation with Chef JP Anglo of Sarsa, which they released during a Makati Street Meet at Rada (read my article here). So during my visit, I tried the original sandwich, the New York Style Brisket Pastrami Sandwich (P490). It’s pastrami is tender and flavorful, sandwiched between two crisp and chewy sourdough toast. The mayo mustard and pickles add acidity and balance.
Look at that pastrami!
My Pastrami Sandwich being built
The Finished Product
Since I’m already there, I also tried the Chika or Cheesecake Bibingka (rice cake). I believe it’s different from bibingka cheesecake, as the Chika “[romances] the techniques and textures that [Chef Carlos Villaflor] learned from the Basque country and lovingly married it with his Filipino heritage.”
Chika (P250/slice)
The Chika is smooth and creamy, with a nice smoky aftertaste. I guess that’s what differentiates it from bibingka cheesecake. Though I still want my salted egg! LOL.
Location: R1 Power Plant Mall | Facebook | Instagram | Website
M Bakery
Known for its American desserts and baked goods, Magnolia Bakery is a New York institution that catapulted to fame due to the HBO series Sex and the City. It inaugurated its first branch in the country at Bonifacio Global City (BGC), calling it M Bakery, and opened its second one at Power Plant Mall recently.
M Bakery Rockwell
Of course, I had to try its famous Classic Banana Pudding, which is creamy and caramelly. This is my kind of dessert!
Classic Banana Pudding (Small: P155; Medium: P305; Large: P395)
My wife made me watch Netflix’ Sugar Rush and Zumbo’s Just Desserts, which are baking competition series. I’m not a sweet tooth but both series made me want to explore cupcakes and confections. So I might do an M Bakery splurge someday.
Location: R2 Power Plant Mall | Facebook | Instagram
Pufft Doughnuts (Limited Time)
There is a holiday bazaar outside Power Plant Mall and one of my favorite doughnut sellers has a stall there!
Bazaar Outisde Power Plant Mall
Known for their Instagrammable and yummy Strawberry Monst donuts, Pufft Doughnuts has been popping up at Power Plant Mall the past weekends. Unless they extend, their last appearance will be this coming weekend (December 17-19) so visit them soon!
There’s always a queue at Pufft Doughnuts! I’m happy for them!
They’re offering Christmas flavors such as the Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Candy. Don’t be surprised if the doughnut has more filling than dough. I’m not complaining!
Look at those doughnuts!
There are more food spots and dishes to try at Rockwell. What should I try next? Comment below!